Monday links

Don’t have time to scour the internet for the latest animal safety, food safety, and agriculture news? Relax, we’ve got it covered.

Animal Science

Infographic: Sunburn and Horses – The Horse
Sun damage is a serious problem for some horses. It causes severe, painful blistering around sensitive areas, such as the eyes, muzzle, and flanks. Learn strategies for protecting your pink-skinned horse from the sun’s damaging rays.

Antibiotic Resistance Genes Increasing – The Pig Site
A research team from Michigan State University studied large-scale swine farms in China and one population of pigs in the U.S. They confirmed the presence of many partner genes – resistance genes and mobile genetic elements found together. Simply put, when one gene increased or decreased in abundance, partner genes increased or decreased in nearly identical fashion.

Acreage for Genetically Modified Crops Declined in 2015 – The New York Times
The world’s farmers have increased their use of genetically modified crops steadily and sharply since the technology became broadly commercialized in 1996. Not anymore. In 2015, for the first time, the acreage used for the crops declined, according to a nonprofit that tracks the plantings of biotech seeds.

Fentanyl disguised as other drugs alarms authorities — The San Diego Union-Tribune
A recent confiscation is believed to be the first time federal officials along the California-Mexico border intercepted fentanyl tablets disguised as oxycodone, raising concerns among authorities that such cover-ups could lead to fatal consequences.

Offbeat

Why tap water is often the best kind of water for brewing coffee – The Week
Brewing the perfect cup of coffee is both an art and a science. From the beans — choosing the right ones, storing and grinding them correctly — to the brewing method — coffee drinkers have a lot of decisions to make when crafting their cups. One choice that is equally important, albeit not quite as exciting, is choosing the right water.